

Today we’d like to introduce you to A.C. Wonderland.
Hi A.C., so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Writing has always been a huge passion of mine. When I was in elementary school, I would write short stories and illustrate them. When I was eight, I wrote and drew an entire twenty-page book for school… even though the assignment was to write one page.
I never thought I would be good enough to make it a career . Truthfully, I am awful at grammar and spelling but I continued to write prior to starting One Shot, my debut novel. I have always written anything – from songs and poems to short stories and novels – but I had never published or shared them on a large sale.
I’ve always been incredibly imaginative. I used to tell my little sister stories growing up. As I mentioned, I used to write in school too. My older sister is a psychologist and when she was in grad school, would have me take various tests for her to compile reports and essays on. Her classmates always would say “that person is so creative. I bet they are or writer” or “that person has a job in the creative field”. Story telling has always been a part of me.
Hockey has also been a huge part of me for as long as I can remember. No – I never played hockey, but I love it as if I did. I went to my friend’s travel team games so often and started being interested in NHL when I was in 8th grade. I luckily grew up at a time when the Blackhawks were a phenomenal dynasty. As someone from outside of Chicago, it was incredible to be a part of it and grew my love for hockey even more.
In summer of 2024, I was looking for a new project and a creative outlet. My day job was not fulfilling for me anymore – it had become “just a job” which is something I have always told myself I wouldn’t let happen. Earlier in 2024, my older sister got me into reading fantasy books. She literally purchased the set of Sarah J. Maas’ A Court of Thornes and Roses and sent it to my house in Nashville to force me to read them! I am eternally grateful for that gift, because without those books I would never have joined the Bookstagram community. I started making book stickers and meeting new friends who loved reading fantasy and romance as much as I did.
In July 2024, it just clicked. I started three different book outlines, but the outline that became One Shot touched my heart the most. Within hours, I had the entire outline and the first few chapters.
One Shot combines my love for writing and hockey into one. It also has some dark themes such as loss and domestic violence. The story came pouring out of me. I knew it had to be told – if not for anyone else, for myself. I went into writing One Shot with the mindset of wanting to positively impact one person with this story. From the spark of the idea that turned into the book, I already had. I changed my own by finding my calling to become an author.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road to self publishing has not been smooth – but every step of the way has been worth it.
Self publishing means that I am solely responsible for, or hiring a team that is responsible for, every aspect of a book. From writing, to finding a cover designer and editor, to marketing and content creation, to promotional plans and website management – every single thing including funding projects. The stress that comes with this responsibility can be a struggle. However, I quickly found a support system of other independent authors, editors and artist that have been a true blessing. I now find I truly enjoy touching every aspect of publishing a book and having full control over final decisions as well.
Spreading the word of One Shot and as myself as a new independent author will always be a challenge. There are millions of books out there. But I’ve found relating with readers and taking the time to have meaningful, genuine connections goes a long way! I am truly grateful for anyone who has picked up my book, followed me on Instagram, or has supported me in any away!
A big challenge has been collaborating with independent bookstores. I am very focused on getting One Shot on the shelves of indie bookstores around the country to support more local small businesses, build lasting partnerships, and partner with indie book lovers just like myself! There are many, many indie authors and traditionally published books out there, so bookstores have many options when stocking their inventory. However, I have made some wonderful connections with kind hearted book sellers around the country – which has been amazing!
Sometimes, I do get discouraged as I try to find the balance between writing Wyverns Hockey Book Two, Summer Shot, and marketing Wyverns Hockey Book One (One Shot), while also having a full time day job, a social life, and writing other books. But every time a reader shares with me how much they resonate with the story, it makes all of the hard effort worth it.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a self published author – specifically in the romance genre.
The reality is life isn’t always easy. Sometimes you need to escape from everyday life. When I started writing, that is exactly what I was looking for. That is also exactly why I read books (mostly romance, fantasy and occasionally thrillers). I found I thrive writing novels that let a reader get lost in a whirlwind romance. I am known for writing deliciously slow burn romances, that will sweep you off your feet, make you cry a little bit, and have your heart racing, but ultimately give you the happily ever after you were rooting for.
Something unique about my books is including important but often dark or difficult topics to discuss such as domestic violence, loss, grief, and anxiety. I wholeheartedly believe that conversations around mental health need to be normalized and by including these themes in my writing, I am able to do my part of not only spreading awareness of different mental health or traumatic topics, but always opening up the conversation. I do want to caveat that I focus on ensuring these themes are not triggering by going through a rigorous process with beta readers.
I am most proud of publishing my first novel, One Shot. Since release just over two months ago, I have received over 200 reviews and maintained a 4.2 star out of 4 star rating on GoodReads. I am proud that I pushed through the challenges of publishing my first book and that I am continuing to focus on new books to come!
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
A quality I feel is most important to my success is staying genuine. For me, reading is not just an escape from reality but it is also connecting with others who love the same story. It’s about the genuine connectedness, bond, and community that is formed all because of a book. I strive to ensure that I find this genuineness not just within the community I engage with as a reader, but with those I engage with as an author and myself as well.
Creating authentic connections with readers, my street team, other authors, my editors and artists is incredibly important to me. I value their time, support, and feedback more than I can explain. I want to ensure that they know who I am and what I stand for. Most importantly, I want to readers to know, through reading my books, they are not alone and will never be alone.
Focusing on also ensuring staying true to myself means writing stories that everyone might not love, and that is more than okay. I truly believe that as long as I am my authentic self I will always have stories to share.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.acwonderlandwrites.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acwonderlandwrites
- Other: https://www.amazon.com/stores/A.C.-Wonderland/author/B0DRW8DPMR